Information provided by North HIVE Hub
December 9, 2025
Civilian Housing Options Briefings – 2026 Dates
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/information-and-guidance-on-civilian-housing
For more information on MoD Veterans Services support for Service Leavers and their families please visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/help-and-support-for-service-leavers-and-their-families
December 8, 2025
Aldershot: Shots Foundation Sight Loss Soccer
The Shots Foundation run these sessions to provide those over 16 with any range of sight loss the opportunity to keep active and keep their love of football alive, because football is for all.
Information provided by South East HIVE Hub
Ripon: Come and join us for Chess Club every Friday for ages 5-17
Children’s Chess Club at Ripon Library!
Looking for a fun, brain-boosting activity for your children?
Join us at the library every Friday for our Chess Club!
Information provided by North HIVE Hub
December 5, 2025
The Dual Accommodation Waiver (DAW) to be made permanent from 1 April 2026
The Dual Accommodation Waiver (DAW) to be made permanent from 1 April 2026
First introduced in March 2024 the DAW was designed to support home ownership and replace older SLA waivers. The DAW supports eligible SP to use Single Living Accommodation (SLA) free of charge, providing they maintain a separate home elsewhere in the UK.
What are the key changes from 1 April 2026?
• Enduring Policy: On 1 April 2026 the DAW will go from a temporary waiver to a permanent waiver, ensuring long-term support for eligible Service personnel.
• Removal of outdated Waivers: Waivers for SLA charges based on marital status and age will be retired, promoting fairness and consistency. Regular and Full Time Reserve Services Full Commitment (FTRS FC) Service Personnel receiving outdated waivers will automatically go onto DAW – no action needed.
• Updated Eligibility Criteria: To ensure efficient use of SLA, eligibility rules have been updated. Service personnel must maintain a UK home outside daily commuting distance, and provide annual evidence to HR.
• New Applicants: If you are not currently using DAW but believe you are eligible, please contact your Unit HR directly.
• Full eligibility details are set out in latest news on Defence accommodation policy - GOV.UK
New Travel Credit Scheme
New Travel Credit Scheme – helping you reunite with loved ones this Christmas
A new one-off Travel Credit Scheme will help Service personnel get home to family and friends during the festive season and months that follow.
From 8 December, eligible personnel can claim for support with the cost of either road or rail travel for a return journey home. The new scheme extends the existing Get You Home (Early Years) provision.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:
“When I came into office, I promised to renew our nation’s contract with those who serve us. That is why this government is improving homes for heroes, delivering the biggest military pay rise in a generation and enshrining the new Armed Forces Covenant in law to properly represent our forces community.
“Our Armed Forces make extraordinary sacrifices, and I know how important being with family is, and that is why today we’re announcing extra travel support for service personnel to be with their loved ones this Christmas.”
Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said:
“Our Armed Forces make extraordinary sacrifices to keep our country safe. Helping them get home to their families for Christmas is the least we can do to support them.
“In this new era of threat, the strength of our defence lies in the serving men and women of our forces. Having already awarded the biggest military pay rise in 20 years and launched a big new strategy to renew military housing, this Government is proudly putting our Forces First.”
Who’s eligible to receive payment
Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 04 December 25
Tackling Damp and Mould
Over the last few years we have made substantial progress in tackling damp and mould that has been reported to us. Condensation is usually the biggest cause of damp within homes, and we know this often increases in colder months of the year. There are 4 key steps that you can take to prevent condensation, damp and mould in your home.
Please read our helpful guide to preventing condensation, damp and mould in your homes here.
Report it
If you discover damp and mould, including any recurring issues, please report it straight away so that we can resolve the issue promptly. You can do this in the following ways:
- Complete the dedicated Damp and Mould report form on the Pinnacle website.
- Call Pinnacle on 0800 0318628, selecting option 1, then option 4.
- Chat to Pinnacle online, you can do this by selecting the chat option on Pinnacle website.
Our commitment
Awaab’s Law, which took effect in October 2025, requires social landlords to address all damp and mould hazards within fixed timeframes. While we are not bound by this legislation, DIO has voluntarily committed to upholding the standards expected of a responsible landlord and our response times to damp and mould reports in UK SFA have been adjusted.
When you contact Pinnacle, our teams will assess the severity of the problem, on a scale from level 1 to 5, with 5 considered the most severe. Pinnacle will then coordinate with Amey/VIVO to begin their investigation to address the issue.
- Levels 1-3: Amey/VIVO will respond within 10 working days.
- Levels 4-5 (highest priority): Amey/VIVO will respond within 48 hours, and families will be offered temporary accommodation during the investigation.
If we cannot fully complete the required work after investigation, we will provide the family with a written summary within three days, outlining completed tasks and any remaining work.
If you have any queries related to damp and mould, please contact Pinnacle on 0800 031 8628. You can find further information about seasonal safety advice on Defence Homes.
December 4, 2025
December 3, 2025
Recruit for Spouses: Op SPOUSE and how RFS supports you
RFS gives the following overview:
“A nationwide initiative to strengthen Defence retention, readiness and resilience.
“Family dissatisfaction is the leading driver in the Armed Forces retention challenge – and supporting spouses more effectively is critical to improving outcomes across Defence.
“Op SPOUSE is the solution – it equips military spouses with the tools, opportunities, and support they need to thrive, helping to sustain family stability and long-term commitment to Service life.
“Delivered by RFS – the UK’s leading military families charity – this scalable initiative enhances existing MOD commitments to support Service families, and strengthens Defence outcomes by improving retention, readiness and cost-efficiency.”
Find out more at: https://www.recruitforspouses.co.uk/op-spouse
To find out more about the support available from Recruit for Spouses, please view/download the 'How RFS Supports You' brochure.
MHLO West Midlands and Staffordshire: JSP 464 Confirmation: Process for Leaving/Moving Out of SFA:
3.6.1.1 Pre-move out advisory visit. It is a mandatory requirement that a pre-move out advisory visit takes place up to 2 months before the expected date of vacation.
In order to provide sufficient time for families to prepare for the Move Out appointment, and to allow the Industry Partner the opportunity to schedule enhanced works that may be required, it is essential recommended that the visit is at least 30 working days before a booked or potential Move Out. It is the Service Licensee’s responsibility to arrange the date of the visit with the IPHD. The IPHD is to seek assistance from the Local Service Commander in cases where it proves difficult for Service reasons to arrange a visit.
Please find guidance for best practice :SP/Families are to Communicate early with Pinnacle (Visa/Versa) to secure Pre-Move Out bookings. (As soon as your SP receives new assignment order / Pinnacle receive an application to move – prompt to book PMO)
Please see JSP464 policy for more information.
SP/Pinnacle attempt resolution by adjusting move-in or securing an earlier PMO.
If unresolved, book the earliest appointment outside 30 working days.
Concerns about dual charges: you can challenge charges once received or submit a complaint via Customer Solutions (CS).
Information provided: Central HIVE Hub
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